Amy McPherson, M.A., Ph.D. (She/Her)

Registered Psychotherapist

Amy is a Registered Psychotherapist with a M.A. in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University and a Ph.D. in Health Psychology from the University of Nottingham, UK.

She has been a health researcher for over 25 years, spending the past 14 years leading research that aims to support the health and wellness of children with disabilities and their families. Her research has largely focused upon topics that can be difficult to discuss, such as mental health, sexuality, chronic health conditions and body acceptance. Amy wanted to translate this passion for talking about hard things into working with people more directly, so decided to train as a psychotherapist.

Amy’s research has taught her that health and wellness look different for everybody. She uses this approach in her therapy with adults, helping people identify what a meaningful life looks like for them and how to move towards it in real, practical ways. As well as appreciating the great strengths that children and their families possess, Amy has seen first hand how stressful it can be for parents to advocate for a child with additional needs and/or deal with a new diagnosis. Amy’s goal is to help parents process what is happening with their child and family and explore what life might look like moving forward.

She also helps adults who are experiencing issues such as anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, loss and grief, relationship conflicts, ADHD, stress, coping, suicidal ideation and body dissatisfaction.

Amy takes a broadly client-centred approach, focusing upon whatever goals are most important to each person. Like many mental health professionals, she uses a range of therapeutic methods and strategies, tailored to an individual’s needs. The primary approaches she uses are Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT).

Amy loves animals and can often be found fostering cats looking for their forever home and trying not to adopt them all herself!